Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyianna Walker.
Hi Kyianna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2020, during the shutdown, I was watching nail videos on YouTube, and like everyone else, I decided to pick up a hobby to pass the time. So, after doing more research, I ordered all the items needed, and by the next day, I was practicing! After 4 months of practicing, I decided that doing nails was a passion and looked into getting my license. I started nail school in February 2021 and graduated in December. By March 2022, I had passed my state board exam and was officially licensed! I started in a shop renting a booth, however, I decided that a private suite would fit me best. A couple of months later, I located Salon Suites on the Square in Lancaster and instantly knew I had found the perfect suite!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha ha ha! Absolutely not. Being in the beauty industry, where there are many other professionals out there, I found it very difficult to gain traction and clientele. As a small business owner, you have to do everything yourself; The marketing, keeping up with the trends, purchasing supplies, etc. So yes, managing all of that gets very overwhelming, and when you are not seeing the growth, it is discouraging. You start to look at others and compare yourself to them, and wonder what you are doing wrong. You wonder why friends or family are not supporting you. In this industry, you can’t think like that. You’ve got to have the perseverance and motivation to get up every single day and market yourself/ your business. You can’t compare yourself to others and their growth. You have to remember that the path you are on is your own, and your success depends on you, and YOU ONLY!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a licensed nail technician, and I do it all! Manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, gel- x nails, nail art, and so much more! I would say my specialty is in short nails as opposed to long, extravagant nails. Some things I am known for and take pride in are the health of my clients’ natural nails under their enhancements and the retention of my nail sets. Yes, the enhancements are nice, and it’s fun to create these beautiful sets, but we cannot do that on damaged nails. I always ensure that my clients nails are healthy and if not, we need to asses and get them there! I also make sure that my clients are getting more “bang for their buck!” With that being said, the time, patience, and care that I put into my work show in the longevity of my nail sets! What sets me apart from others is my personality! I have a special bond with all of my clients, and I believe that without my personality, I would not be where I am today. When new clients book and their inspiration pictures are of my work, that shows me growth in my brand, and I am in the right profession. That is what I am most proud of!
To the readers, if you are looking for a nail tech who takes pride in their work and is also affordable, please check me out! You will not be disappointed.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I am a strong believer in taking risks and stepping out on faith! How do you know what works for you if you never try? One day, I decided to take a risk and leave my full-time job to pursue being a full-time nail tech. In doing that, I quickly realized that there are down times in the beauty industry. Some months will be better than others, so you need a backup plan. While we do have setbacks, we cannot give up, and we have to keep moving forward. I was once told this quote, and it has stuck with me ever since:
I have not not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. -Thomas Edison
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kissdbyknails.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissdbyk_nails/
